Candidates for Michigan Legislature discuss range of issues during forum at Western Michigan University

KALAMAZOO, MI — A host of potential voters got their first look since the August primary election at Kalamazoo County candidates seeking state office during a forum Wednesday night at Western Michigan University.

The two-hour event, which was held at WMU's Fetzer Center and sponsored by the Kalamazoo County Council of Governments, featured candidates for state Senate in the 20th District and state House hopefuls in the 60th, 61st, 63rd and 66th Districts.

The 11 candidates in attendance were each allowed time for brief opening statements before being asked a series of questions, including: how they would find funding for Michigan's roads, if they favor instituting a use or sales tax on internet purchases, what issues they could see themselves working across the aisle on and if they believe the state's medical marijuana law should be amended, to name a few.

The candidates were divided into groups with their opponents and were given 60 seconds each to answer the same question. Each group was asked a total six questions.

20th District candidates in attendance included state Rep. Margaret O'Brien, R-Portage; state Rep. Sean McCann, D-Kalamazoo; and Libertarian candidate and former state Rep. Lorence Wenke. The seat is currently occupied by state Sen. Tonya Schuitmaker, R-Antwerp Township, who is running in the newly drawn 26th District. The 20th District includes all of Kalamazoo County.

Also present at the forum was Democratic candidate Jon Hoadley, who is being challenged by Republican Mike Perrin in the 60th District. The seat is being vacated by McCann in his bid for the state Senate.

Perrin was the only candidate not in attendance at the forum. He cited a prior commitment as the reason for his absence during an opening statement read on his behalf by Kalamazoo Gazette Editor Mickey Ciokajlo, who served as moderator for the event along with Andy Robins of WMUK (102.1 FM).

Kalamazoo County Commissioner Brandt Iden (R), Democrat John Fisher and Libertarian Michael Stampfler, a former Portage city manager, were the three 61st District candidates in attendance. The seat will be vacated by O'Brien in her run for state Senate.

The 63rd District was represented by Kalamazoo County Commissioner David Maturen (R) and Democrat Bill Farmer, who lost to state House Speaker Jase Bolger in 2012. Bolger, who is term-limited, is not running.

Both South Haven School Board Trustee Annie Brown, a Democrat, and state Rep. Aric Nesbitt, R-Lawton, were in attendance to vie for the 66th District. Nesbitt was the only incumbent at the event who is seeking re-election to his current post.

Candidates each were allowed an additional 60 seconds at the end to provide a closing statement on issues they may not have had the opportunity to address.

The Public Media Network (Charter Channel 190 or AT&T Channel 99) will be airing the forum beginning next week up through the Nov. 4 general election. Those interested in watching it can do so at the following times:

Mondays at 4 a.m.

Wednesdays at 9 p.m.

Fridays at 1 p.m.

Saturdays at 1 p.m.

Alex Mitchell covers county government and taxes for the Kalamazoo Gazette. Email him at amitche5@mlive.com or follow him on Twitter.